Is La Estrella de Panamá Objective? Media Bias, Political Leaning, and Reliability
La Estrella de Panamá Overview and Political Bias
Observers describe La Estrella as a traditionalist outlet reflecting mainstream Panamanian interests. Some critics suggest its editorial stance shifted following the 2016 Clinton List sanctions against its owner, Abdul Waked. While it aims for neutrality, it is often viewed by some as aligned with national business and political elites.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center |
| Estimated number of readers | 1,500,000 |
| Israel support | Generally Neutral / Reflects official state policy |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Low |
| Target Audience | Elite / Business / General Public |
La Estrella de Panamá History
Established in 1849 as an English daily for travelers crossing the Isthmus, La Estrella de Panamá is the country’s oldest newspaper. It eventually transitioned to Spanish, becoming a premier historical record. It has navigated significant political eras, from the California Gold Rush through the Panama Canal construction and independence.
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Who owns La Estrella de Panamá?
The paper is owned by Grupo Editorial El Siglo y La Estrella (GESE). The principal owner is businessman Abdul Waked. In 2017, the newspaper faced a severe financial crisis after being placed on the U.S. Clinton List, eventually surviving after ownership structures were adjusted to ensure its continued operation.